European Age of Exploration Overview

What was one reason European powers sought to explore new lands?

What event increased the danger of travel along the Great Silk Road?

Which ship was developed by the Portuguese in the fifteenth century?

What type of sail did the caravel utilize to improve navigation?

What was a major factor driving the efforts of the Catholic Church during the Age of Exploration?

Which of the following best describes the caravel's cargo capacity?

Which historical figure's travels inspired Europeans to seek adventure and wealth in new lands?

How did European exploration affect native populations?

What advancement made long sea voyages feasible during the European Age of Exploration?

What is a padrões in the context of the European Age of Exploration?

European Age of Exploration

European knowledge of the world was limited in the 1400s, Europe and the Mediterranean and Western Asia were mapped, but the size of Africa and the full extent of Asia was unknown.
The Americas were undiscovered.
Advancements in shipbuilding, mapmaking and navigation allowed European sailors to undertake long sea voyages.
European powers sought to find sea routes to Asia, as well as conquer lands and spread Christianity.
Portugal and Spain led the way, becoming powerful empires during the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries.
For the native populations of the newly discovered lands, this period was one of exploitation.

Reasons for European Exploration

European powers explored for various reasons: trade, power, wealth, religion, and adventure.
Finding an alternative route to the Great Silk Road was a driving force in many voyages.

Long sea voyages were made possible by advancements in shipbuilding and navigation.
Improvements in mapmaking also aided these voyages.
European ships in the Middle Ages used square sails, relying on the wind blowing directly from behind.
In the 15th century, the Portuguese developed the caravel, incorporating triangular lateen sails.
Lateen sails allowed ships to sail even if the wind was not directly from behind.
Caravels were smaller and lighter, making them faster and enabling navigation in shallow waters.
Caravels were steered using a wooden rudder.
Caravels could carry less cargo compared to later ship types.
The carrack (or nao) was another ship type, similar in design to the caravel, but larger and capable of carrying more cargo.

Explore the significant advancements and motivations behind the European Age of Exploration during the 15th to 17th centuries. Learn about the technological innovations in shipbuilding and navigation, as well as the consequences of these expeditions on native populations. This quiz will cover key figures and events that shaped this transformative period in history.